While benzene and toluene are frequently utilized to boost octane levels in spark ignition fuels, their overall concentrations are strictly regulated globally to address environmental, health, and safety concerns. Concurrently, ethanol is commonly introduced into gasoline blends to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, the presence of ethanol creates significant analytical challenges, as it often interferes with traditional benzene and toluene measurements when using conventional packed-column systems. Inaccurate analysis of these components can easily lead to incorrect octane ratings, ultimately resulting in costly off-specification products.

To directly address the limitations of the classic ASTM D3606 method, the GAS Benzene, Toluene, and Ethanol Analyser provides a sophisticated, modern alternative built upon advanced capillary column technology. During operation, the fuel sample is introduced via a split injector directly onto a non-polar pre-column (Restek Rtx-1). Once the octane has fully eluted, the system intelligently reverses the flow, back-flushing the higher-boiling components to protect the primary setup. The remaining target compounds—benzene, toluene, and ethanol—are then directed to a TCEP analytical column where they are seamlessly separated and detected using a Flame Ionisation Detector (FID), alongside an MEK internal standard. This innovative capillary approach ensures that ethanol and benzene are perfectly resolved, delivering unmatched reliability and precise quantification in a rapid 9-minute runtime.

Benefits

No Benzene / Ethanol Interference: The advanced capillary column configuration guarantees the crisp, clear chromatographic separation of both ethanol and benzene.

Improved ASTM D3606 Performance: Experience a significant boost in both repeatability and accuracy when compared to older, packed-column setups.

Ethanol Analysis Included: Streamline laboratory workflows by simultaneously analyzing ethanol, toluene, and benzene within one continuous analytical run.

High Uptime and Robust Design: Built for long-term operational stability, the system incorporates proven GC technology alongside reliable backflush capabilities and inert Sulfinert® sample pathways.

Compact and Cost-Efficient Solution: Substantially reduce the need for purchasing and maintaining multiple instruments by opting for integration with D4815 and D5580 methods.

Benzene and Toluene in Finished Gasoline: Precisely determine the concentrations of toluene and benzene to maintain strict octane control and ensure complete adherence to final product specifications.

Ethanol Analysis in Gasoline: Facilitates the reliable separation and accurate quantification of ethanol content, completely free from traditional benzene interference.

ASTM D3606, D5580 and EN12177 Compliance Testing: Execute standardized, highly accurate evaluations of fuel samples leveraging an enhanced capillary gas chromatography methodology.

Motor and Aviation Gasoline Quality Control: Thoroughly verify the composition and overall quality of finished gasoline batches before they proceed to blending operations or market distribution.

Multi-Method Fuel Analysis: Optimize laboratory space and lower operational costs by seamlessly combining EN 12177 or ASTM D3606 with ASTM D4815 and D5580 methodologies onto a single, compact GC platform.

The analyser is fully designed to comply with the following major industry standards:

1. ASTM D3606

2. ASTM D5580

3. EN 12177

GAS_PF300v1

GAS_PF310v1